Entering the season, the Pac-10 was expected to be rich with running backs, and the league didn't disappoint. Stanford's Toby Gerhart led a competitive race for running backs spots on our All-Pac-10 football team. No doubt, Pac-10 second-team selections could be first-team selections in other...[details]

2005 (Redshirt): Spent his first year at University of Oregon figuring out what position he would eventually play at. Spent time with the defensive ends but ultimately ended up with the tight end unit. He has good speed, size and hands and should excel at the slot, h-back or tight end positions. Dickson is the heir apparent to the role Dante Rosario plays in the Oregon offense and should be a special player for the Ducks.

2004 (Redshirt):HIGH SCHOOL — The SuperPrep All-American was ranked as the nation’s No. 6 prep tight end prospect, as well as the top player at his position in the Western United States and California’s 11th overall recruit. Led the Buccaneers in receiving and quarterback sacks, recording 28 catches for six touchdowns and over 400 yards his senior year to earn Southeast/South Coast Lineman-of-the-Year plaudits from the L.A. Times. His 54 tackles (28 unassisted) included 10 QB sacks, as he also blocked one field goal and punted the football 11 times (five inside the 20-yard line) for a 45.4-yard average. Included among his totals were five receptions for 72 yards in the 2004 season opener vs. Pacifica and three catches (two TDs) for 90 yards against Norwalk. In addition, he was credited with four quarterback sacks vs. Cerritos and averaged 46.8 yards on four punts against Gahr. The four-year starter is considered an exceptional run blocker for a program which favored keeping the ball on the ground 66 percent of the time, yet possesses the hands of a wide receiver. The first-team all-Suburban League selection on both sides of the football not only was chosen all-CIF Southern Section Southeast/South Coast tight end and region Lineman of the Year, he was named Best in the West honorable mention tight end/linebacker by the Long Beach Press-Telegram. As a junior, the two-way first-team all-league pick parlayed 19 receptions for 325 yards (17.1-yard avg.) and four scores with 68 tackles, 12 quarterback takedowns and 12 passes knocked down.

Personal: Born Edward James Dickson on July 25, 1987 in Inglewood, Calif. Family: One brother, two sisters. High School (Coach): Bellflower (Brian Mustang) 2005.

OREGON - Brings tremendous athleticism to the position as evidenced by playing a lot of wide receiver on last fall's scout team and even tried at defensive end during bowl preparations. His toughness became apparent from the outset while possessing excellent hands and great spead as evidenced by the position's-best 4.82 electronic clocking in the 40 during off-season testing. Still learning the intricacies as a line-of-scrimmage player and needs to refine his route running but maintains all the skills to vertically stretch the defense. Could begin his collegiate indoctrination as a special teams contributor this fall. Caught one pass for 35 yards in the Spring Game.

Dickson is a tall, lean, good-looking athlete who possesses an explosive element to his game. He needs to do a better job slipping the bump and cleanly getting into his routes when his hand is on the line, but when standing up off the line, he exhibits an explosive first step and gets into his routes quickly. He has an ability to consistently threaten the seam and showcases an impressive burst in and out of his breaks. He has good body control as a route runner and is doing a much better job this season setting up his routes and changing gears. Dickson looks a lot more balanced in the pass game and isn't trying to do everything at full speed. He does a nice job using his length to pluck the ball away from his frame and has the toughness to take a hit over the middle and hang on to the ball. He showcases a toughness after the catch and isn't afraid to take on would-be tackles and fight for additional yards. He isn't overly physical at the point of attack and doesn't block with much leverage, but he does a nice job extending his long arms on contact and the athletic ability to stay in front of his man. Dickson showcases good effort blocking downfield and has the ability to consistently reach and seal defenders at the second level. He has the makings of a guy who can create mismatches in the pass game and create plays downfield.